When it comes to cleaning, doors are the most neglected aspect of the house. In many homes, wood doors are common. Wooden doors, unlike PVC doors, cannot be cleaned with any other soap or cleaning that you would use to clean your glass tables, etc. It is advised that wooden doors be kept away from moisture and abrasives to ensure that they last as long as possible.
Cleaning wooden doors
Wipe down the door
It’s necessary to first wipe away any debris, loose dirt, or cobwebs. Always start at the top and work your way down, paying special attention to ledges, cracks, and sills, as well as the main body of the door. For wiping, use a dry cloth, such as a microfiber or a duster. A handheld vacuum, on the other hand, might make the job easier.
Clean using mild soap
A small amount of mild dish soap mixed with hot water should suffice for minimal cleaning. Scrub the surface of your wood door with a nonabrasive sponge dipped in soapy water. You can also use a small brush (such as a toothbrush) to get into the door’s corners and cracks. When you’re done, use hot water to rinse away all of the soapy residues.
Clean the edges
Open the door and wipe the edges and around the door frame with a clean, wet cloth. If there is a large build-up of dust or grime, you may need to rinse the cloth as you go to maintain it clean enough to complete the job. If the dirt is stubborn to wipe away, add a few drops of mild dish soap to your damp towel. When you’re done, make sure to clean up all of the soapy residues.
Cleaning tough stains
Sometimes soap and water aren’t enough to get rid of stains. Use a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water to remove stubborn stains. To make a powerful but gentle cleaning solution, combine one cup of vinegar with four cups of water. Regardless of how strong the smell is at first, vinegar has a deodorising impact. It’s vital to avoid using a strong solution, such as mineral spirits, that could remove the paint, no matter how tenacious the stain is. If your stain is so strong then you might need a help from house cleaning experts.
Remove tough stains using steam
Get a steam cleaner with a hose attachment and, at the end of the attachment, apply a small amount of soap to the bristles. Spray the steam on the dirty wood’s stains and move it back and forth across the stained areas. As you do this, the filth should disappear. When you are finished, use a clean rag to wipe away any soapy residue.
Buff to remove scratches
Scuff marks on wooden doors can be removed by buffing them. If buffing doesn’t work, a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied to the scuffs with a non-abrasive pad. Baking soda exfoliates and gently abrades the skin for a more thorough clean. Sand around the scuff mark to give it an even finish for deep scuffs and mild scratches. After you have sanded and picked the correct paint, use a little brush to carefully paint over the defect.
Giving your doors a regular wipe down can help keep them looking clean and fresh for a long time. However, if it is a task you tend to forget, you can hire a good house cleaning service for help.
